Meralco shackles Alaska, forces do-or-die for finals ticket

The Meralco Bolts lived to fight another day against Alaska. KC Cruz

The Meralco Bolts leaned on a tremendous defensive effort against the Alaska Aces to earn an 86-70 victory on Monday, extending the semifinals series to a winner-take-all Game Five in the PBA Commissioner's Cup.

"This game is basically just about trying to live another day. We really got back to basics as far as our defense is concerned," said Meralco coach Norman Black, whose squad limited the Aces to 33 percent shooting from the field.

After barely edging Alaska 36-34 at the half, the Bolts found their touch in the second half. Meralco outscored the Aces 50-36 in the third and fourth quarters to roll to the win.

Meralco's starters were solid, as Jared Dillinger paced the team with 17 points, while import Arinze Onuaku chipped in 16. Cliff Hodge and Brian Faundo also scored 14 and 12 points, respectively.

Rob Dozier led Alaska with 18 points, as the local starters struggled. RJ Jazil and Calvin Abueva were the only Aces in double figures with 10 points each, while Cyrus Baguio hit two points off a 1 of 11 shooting clip. —JST, GMA News